Recalls: BMW E84 X1
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: BMW E84 X1
2010-11 BMW E84 X1: battery cable contact could be damaged by vibrations
In February 2013, a recall was issued for BMW E84 X1 vehicles that were available for sale prior to 28 February 2011. In these vehicles, the plug-in contact of the battery-positive cable on the front power distributor (fitted behind the glove compartment) could be damaged by vehicle vibrations, impairing power supply to the vehicle. As a result, the door locks may not open and it may not be possible to start the vehicle. Furthermore, if the engine were to stall, power steering assistance may be lost and the electrical system may fail – such a situation would be apparent from the flickering of the instrument panel and power loss from the engine (PRA 2013/13476).
2012-13 BMW E84 X1: loss of power braking assistance
In October 2013, a recall was issued for BMW E84 X1 vehicles that were available for sale from 1 November 2012 to 31 July 2013. In these vehicles, the vacuum pump may fail due to a lack of lubrication. As a result, the power brake boost unit would not be supplied with sufficient vacuum force, reducing the effectiveness of the brake assistance function. In turn, reduced braking effectiveness posed a hazard to the driver and other road users. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, see PRA 2013/13801.
2010-14 BMW E84 X1: Takata airbag inflator in steering wheel
In July 2024, recall campaign 0032570300 was issued for 2010-14 BMW E84 X1 vehicles. After production, some of these vehicles may have been fitted with steering wheels which contained a faulty Takata airbag inflator. If a collision triggered the driver’s airbag, the airbag inflator could rupture – this could cause metal fragments to be projected through the airbag cushion towards vehicle occupants, posing a risk of serious injury or death. An online tool at www.recall.bmw.com.au enabled owners to upload photos of their VIN plate and steering wheel to determine if the steering wheel contained a Takata airbag. Alternatively, owners were requested to contact an authorised BMW dealer to schedule a steering wheel check. If a faulty inflator was identified, the airbag (with the centre horn pad) was to be replaced free of charge; the steering wheel itself did not require replacement. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-006036.
2011-15 BMW E84 X1: water pump connector could cause fire
In August 2024, recall campaign 0011800700 was issued for 2011-15 BMW E84 X1 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing defect, liquid may enter the connectors for the electric water pump – this could cause an electrical short circuit, leading to a vehicle fire. A vehicle fire posed a risk of injury to vehicle occupants, other road users and bystanders, as well as a risk of damage to property. To fix, an authorised BMW dealer was to inspect the plug connector inspected and, if necessary, replace it. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-006063.
BMW E84 X1: sports steering wheel with Takata airbag
In May 2025, a recall was issued for BMW E84 X1 vehicles that were fitted with a special edition pack that included a sports steering wheel. The sports steering wheel contained a Takata PSDI-5 airbag and, as the airbag got older, high temperatures and humidity could cause the airbag inflator propellant to degrade. If the affected vehicle was involved in a collision which triggered the airbag, or if the airbag misdeployed, the metal inflator housing may explode due to excessive internal pressure. This could cause metal fragments to be projected through the airbag cushion towards vehicle occupants, posing a risk of serious injury or death. Owners were advised not to drive their vehicle under any circumstances and to immediately contact an authorised BMW dealer to schedule the airbag’s replacement. The BMW dealer would arrange for the vehicle to be towed to a workshop. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2025/20544.
Problems and faults: BMW E84 X1
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
2010-14 BMW E84 X1 xDrive20i, xDrive28i and xDrive35i: ‘Service Engine Soon’, ‘Drivetrain Malfunction’ and VANOS faults
In September 2014, BMW North America issued Service Bulletin SI B12 26 14 for BMW E84 X1 xDrive20i, xDrive28i and xDrive35i vehicles that were manufactured prior to July 2014. These vehicles may exhibit the following symptoms:
- Illumination of the ‘Service Engine Soon’ warning (Malfunction Indicator Light);
- The engine may enter a reduced power mode with the ‘Drivetrain Malfunction’ message displayed; and,
- One or more VANOS faults may be stored in the DME, even though the engine is mechanically sound and no unusual noises can be heard from the VANOS area. These VANOS faults related to implausible camshaft position (intake or exhaust), the camshaft stuck situation, or the camshaft angle offset relative to the crankshaft being outside the tolerance range.
According to the service bulletin, these symptoms could be due to unfavourable Engine Position Management (EPM) parameters in the DME software. The service bulletin recommended test plans be performed using BMW’s ISTA/D diagnostics system and any VANOS hardware issues were to be corrected. After performing repairs, or if the ISTA test plan was inconclusive, the vehicle’s DME software was to be re-programmed with the latest version of ISTA/P. If further VANOS control faults occurred after the DME software was updated, further diagnosis would be required to identify its cause.
